DAWN NAGAJ

DAWN NAGAJ ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Berry-McGreevey-Martens Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Mar. 14, 2026.Dawn Nagaj (nee Stetz), age 70, beloved wife of Don; loving mother of D.J. Nagaj, Abbey Nagaj, and Lindsey Smith (Rob); GiGi of Kassidy, Bentley, and Austin; daughter of the late John and Frances Stetz; sister of Rick Myers (Kathy), Bob Stetz (Tracy), Barbara Frank (Greg), Trish Stetz, Deb Stetz, and the late Keith Myers (Ruth); aunt of many. Dawn will also be missed by her extended family and friends.With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we remember Dawn, a beloved wife of 50 years, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who passed away at the age of 70.She was the whole picture of maternal love - selfless, nurturing and fiercely dedicated. Her family was the center of her world and she poured her heart into caring for them. Whether through quiet acts of service, warm encouragement or simply being present, she demonstrated what unconditional love looked like. She regularly expressed it through thoughtful traditions and meaningful gestures - often in the form of some baked goodness. She took special pride in celebrating family birthdays by arranging birthday dinners specifically tailored to their liking. She also looked forward to "Christmas Baking Day," with her girls, and together they filled the house with the smell of fresh-baked cookies and infectious laughter while the men of the house happily served as taste-testers. It was never just about baking, though - it was about being together and creating memories that would last long after the cookies were gone. These small but heartfelt celebrations were just some of the many ways she made those around her feel included and cherished.Dawn had a natural way of making people feel comfortable and cared for. She was someone others trusted and turned to, offering kindness, thoughtful advice and a non-judgmental, listening ear when it was most needed. But her consideration wasn't limited to people she knew, as she dedicated her time and energy to helping human trafficking victims in Ohio and offering resources to local battered women's shelters. And, as if her heart couldn't hold any more love, she had a particularly soft spot for rescue dogs, some of which found a home with the family over the years.She was known for her love of laughter, her quick wit, and the easy joy she brought into everyday moments. She had a playful sense of humor and loved joking around. While Dawn lived a life defined by kindness, patience and grace, those who knew her best will also smile remembering one of her favorite ways to unwind: a trip to the shooting range. She enjoyed letting off a little steam there from time to time - a detail that adds a bit of humor to the story of someone who otherwise seemed like such a saint.Dawn was a woman who believed in the power of prayer and demonstrated her faith in God by readily bringing worries and joys to His feet. Her life was a quiet testament to kindness, the strength of a mother's love and the beauty of a heart devoted to others. Though she will be deeply missed, the love and care she shared so freely with others will be her legacy, and will hopefully remain part of the many memories she created with those blessed to know her.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Animal Protective League of Elyria or your local battered women's shelter.FRIENDS RECEIVED SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026 FROM 2-5 P.M. AT THE BERRY-McGREEVEY-MARTENS FUNERAL HOME, 26691 DETROIT RD., WESTLAKE, OH 44145, WHERE A CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT 4:30 P.M. Interment private.www.BerryMcGreevey.comBerry-McGreevey-Martens Funeral Home and Cremation Service26691 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH 44145440-617-1911To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.